Saturnalia were a British band activated in the late 60's early 70's. Their sole and rare album was on the ostentatious side of progressive folk rock, perhaps slightly anticipating some of the earnest classical-rock-fusion-with-female-vocals explored by Renaissance in the 1970s.
The songs tend toward the winding and ponderous side, and the vocals -- especially those by female singer Aletta -- can cross into the histrionic in the more strident passages. Perhaps a little more influenced by the male-female vocal tradeoffs typical of some late-'60s American psychedelic bands than most such British efforts, it also boasts plenty of hard rock guitar and a good helping of lyrics reflective of a fantasy world, à la "Princess and the Peasant Boy" and the title track.
As the song that brings in the strongest British acoustic folk feel, "Dream" is one of the more palatable tracks, but groups such as Renaissance were able to craft more accessible and memorable material using some of the same elements.
by Richie Unterberger
1. Magical Love (Aletta Lohmeyer) - 4:32
2. She Brings Peace - 4:42
3. And I Have Loved You - 3:22
4. Winchester Town - 7:55
5. Traitor - 4:36
6. Soul Song (Aletta Lohmeyer, Pilikian) - 2:58
7. Princess And The Peasant Boy - 3:34
8. Dreaming (Aletta Lohmeyer) - 2:43
8. Dreaming (Aletta Lohmeyer) - 2:43
9. Step Out Of Line - 4:18
All songs by Rod Roach, Adrian Hawkins except where indicated
Saturnalia
Aletta Lohmeyer - Vocals
Tom Crompton - Drums
Adrian Hawkins - Vocals
Richard Houghton - Bass
Rod Roach - Guitar
Related Act
1970-71 Horse - For Twisted Minds Only (2016 remaster and expanded)
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Saturnalia
Aletta Lohmeyer - Vocals
Tom Crompton - Drums
Adrian Hawkins - Vocals
Richard Houghton - Bass
Rod Roach - Guitar
Related Act
1970-71 Horse - For Twisted Minds Only (2016 remaster and expanded)
Free Text
Just Paste
This looks pretty special. Thanks for all the effort to share this. Hey, any chance that you have Mr.Flood's Party and can hook up a flac rip?
ReplyDeleteAfter Horse and a number of other bands based in the Walton/Weybridge/Addlestone area of Surrey, Saturnalia was going to be Rod Roach and Addie Hawkins big break. However, in part the vinyl technology let them down. Least we forget the original vinyl pressings of this LP incorporated a 3D effect, packaged in clear PVC sleeves, the first time this had been attempted. An after pub visit to Mr & Mrs Roach's small flat in Oatlands, revealed the problem. Under the couple's double bed were stuffed 1000's of faulty pressings of the LP, for instance side one was okay but side two was duff. As the LP had been pressed up in Germany, the band had financial problems returning therm, so in hippy tradition moved on. Rod gave me a faulty LP (passed onto a brother), side one was interesting but of side 2 I'm about to discover after 40 years. BTW those few good pressings are worth something nowadays.
ReplyDeletehi, do you know how to contact Rod Roach? Music licensing related. Thanks! Alex (Guerssen Records)
DeleteNot seen Rod Roach since the mid 70's.
DeleteWhile putting Horse and then Saturnalia together, he worked as an assistant A&R manager at RCA Records UK. Last time I saw his name was in association with former member(s) of Bad Finger, some 15-20 years ago.
My dad bought this. Can't remember liking the music,
ReplyDeletebut I was very pleased with the bare boobies on the "Hammer Horror" themed picture disc.
[I was 14]
is it possible to re-up " Saturnalia: Magical Love" ? Thanks
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, "Saturnalia - Magical Love", reposted...
DeleteThanks a lot for the repost of Saturnalia !!!
Delete